Method to request resources in tv white spaces type environment

ABSTRACT

Method, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments are disclosed for independent wireless resource sharing on a fair basis to enable selecting the most suitable coexistence between wireless networks. Example embodiments of the invention include a hierarchical resource request process that enables reallocation of radio resources in a coexistence band. When new resources are requested by a network, a search is made for free resources in the coexistence band. If this does not succeed, a check is made for any allocated but unused resources in the coexistence band that have been advertised by neighboring networks. If there are insufficient advertised resources, then the allocation of resources in neighboring networks is analyzed and compared with the requesting network&#39;s need for network resources. There are two graduated stages to the analysis. In an example light analysis stage, an analysis of the allocation of resources is limited to neighboring networks within the same network allocation group as the requesting network&#39;s. In a more extensive analysis stage, all of the neighboring networks are analyzed. In this manner, a more complete resource reallocation may be achieved.

FIELD

The field of the invention relates to radio coexistence concepts and theutilization of TV white spaces or other RF spectrum white spaces andmore particularly, to independent resource sharing on a fair basis toenable selecting the most suitable coexistence between wirelessnetworks.

BACKGROUND

Use of radio frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum isregulated by governments in most countries, by allocating specificfrequency bands to particular types of uses, such as licensed bands forcommercial radio and television broadcasting, cellular telephony,maritime radio, police, fire, and public safety radio, GPS, radioastronomy, earth stations for satellite communications, and many otheruses. Governments also allocate unlicensed bands, for example, forWireless Regional Area Network (WRAN) broadband access for rural areasand wireless local area networks (WLAN) and wireless personal areanetworks (WPAN), such as the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM)band.

In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)regulates use of the radio spectrum, including radio and televisionbroadcasting. Frequencies are allocated according to a bandplan in whichguard bands are assigned between the allocated radio bands to avoidinterference between adjacent signals. There are also unassignedfrequency bands in the spectrum that either have never been used or havebecome free as a result of changes in technology. The unassignedfrequency bands and guard bands are referred to as white spaces.

TV white space may be broadly defined as broadcast television spectrumthat is unused by licensed services. There are at least two categoriesof TV white space: [1] Dedicated TV white space is a portion of thespectrum that the FCC has reallocated to unlicensed use from previouslyanalog broadcast usage, and [2] Locally unused spectrum by licensed TVbroadcasters in a geographic area.

[1] Dedicated TV white space: In the United States, the FCC hasdedicated approximately 400 MHz of white spaces for unlicensed use thatbecame unused after a federally mandated transformation of analog TVbroadcasting to digital TV broadcasting. However, the FCC has prohibitedunlicensed use of white spaces from interfering with existing licenseduses, including digital TV stations, low power TV stations, cable TVheadends, and sites where low power wireless microphones are used.Various proposals have been made for unlicensed use of the white spacesleft by the termination of analog TV, for example rural broadbanddeployment, auxiliary public safety communications, educational andenterprise video conferencing, personal consumer applications, meshnetworks, security applications, municipal broadband access, enhancedlocal coverage and communications, fixed backhaul, and sensoraggregation for smart grid meter reading.

[2] Locally unused spectrum by licensed TV broadcasters: The FCC hasadopted rules to allow unlicensed radio transmitters to operate in thebroadcast television spectrum at locations where that spectrum is notbeing used by licensed broadcasters. The FCC required the use ofgeolocation to establish the location of the unlicensed transmitter anda database of TV bands use by licensed broadcasters organized by theirgeographic coverage areas, to enable the unlicensed transmitter to knowwhere local TV white space bands may be available. The FCC required theuse of spectrum sensors in the unlicensed transmitter to detect thepresence of the incumbent, primary TV broadcaster's signal in the localTV white space band to enable the unlicensed transmitter to immediatelyrelinquish using the band. A primary user in such a local TV white spaceband would be an incumbent TV broadcaster licensed to operate in thatband, but in those geographic areas where there are no licensedincumbent TV broadcasters in operation, other unlicensed secondary usersmay make use of that band.

Other RF spectrum white spaces may be locally unused in certaingeographic areas, such as the frequency allocations from maritime radioin landlocked areas remote from the sea. A primary user in such amaritime radio band would be a maritime radio licensed to operate inthat band, but in those geographic areas where there are no licensedmaritime radios in operation, other unlicensed secondary users may makeuse of that band. Similarly, locally unused RF spectrum white spaces maybe present in certain geographic locations, such as the frequencyallocations from 2.025 GHz to 2.110 GHz for earth stations to transmitto communications satellites, in areas remote from such earth stations.A primary user in such a satellite earth station radio band would be asatellite earth station licensed to operate in that band, but in thosegeographic areas where there are no satellite earth stations inoperation, other unlicensed secondary users may make use of that band.

Coexistence standards are currently being developed to enable two ormore independently operated wireless networks or devices using differentradio technologies adapted for TV white space frequency bands, to accessthe same TV white space frequency band in the same location withoutmutual interference.

SUMMARY

Method, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments aredisclosed for independent wireless resource sharing on a fair basis toenable selecting the most suitable coexistence between wirelessnetworks.

Example embodiments of the invention include a hierarchical resourcerequest process that enables reallocation of radio resources in acoexistence band. When new resources are requested by a network, asearch is made for free resources in the coexistence band. If this doesnot succeed, a check is made for any allocated but unused resources inthe coexistence band that have been advertised by neighboring networks.If there are insufficient advertised resources, then the allocation ofresources in neighboring networks is analyzed and compared with therequesting network's need for network resources. There are two graduatedstages to the analysis. In an example light analysis stage, an analysisof the allocation of resources is limited to neighboring networks withinthe same network allocation group as the requesting network's. In a moreextensive analysis stage, all of the neighboring networks are analyzed.In this manner, a more complete resource reallocation may be achieved.

Example embodiments of the invention include a resource reallocationthat enables heterogeneous and unlicensed spectrum users to agree andnegotiate on spectrum use to better coexist with each other.

Depending on the wireless environment state, including whether therehave been any major changes in the neighborhood of a wireless networkafter a previous resource allocation, the example network needing moreresources may initiate either a light resource request process directedonly to the neighboring networks in the same network allocation group orto a more extensive resource request process directed to all networkswithin interference range. This graduated process brings more stabilityto the network environment when resource needs are varying.

Example embodiments of the invention enable two or more independentlyoperated wireless networks or devices using different radio technologiesadapted for white space frequency bands, to access the same white spacefrequency band in the same location without mutual interference. Suchwhite space frequency bands include not only FCC dedicated TV whitespaces at 54-88 MHz and 470-806 MHz, but also locally unused spectrum bylicensed TV broadcasters and other locally unused RF spectrum whitespaces that may be present in certain geographic locations, such asfrequency allocations for maritime radio in landlocked areas andfrequency allocations for satellite earth stations in areas remote fromsuch earth stations.

Example embodiments of the invention include a method, comprising thesteps of:

searching for at least one available free resource in a wireless networkcoexistence band by a coexistence manager, in response to a resourcerequest from a coexistence enabler in a wireless network;

if there are insufficient available free resources in the coexistenceband, then checking by the coexistence manager for availability ofallocated but unused resources in the coexistence band, as advertised byone or more coexistence managers managing neighboring wireless networksin a network allocation group of the coexistence enabler; and

if there are insufficient available free resources or not enoughadvertised allocated but unused resources in the coexistence band forthe network allocation group, then analyzing by the coexistence managerresources and resource needs in the coexistence band for neighboringnetworks.

Example embodiments of the invention further comprise, if at least oneavailable free resource is found in the coexistence band, then informingcoexistence managers managing neighboring wireless networks, of a newresource usage.

Example embodiments of the invention further comprise, if there areallocated but unused resources available, then agreeing with one or morecoexistence managers managing neighboring wireless networks to reassignone or more of the available allocated but unused resources in thecoexistence band to the coexistence enabler and communicating withcoexistence managers managing neighboring wireless networks in thenetwork allocation group.

Example embodiments of the invention further comprise, if the resourcesor the resource needs have not changed substantially, then making by thecoexistence manager a reallocation of used resources in the coexistenceband for neighboring wireless networks in the network allocation group.

Example embodiments of the invention further comprise, if the resourcesor the resource needs have changed, then making by the coexistencemanager a reallocation of all available resources in the coexistenceband for the neighboring wireless networks.

Example embodiments of the invention further comprise, wherein a changeof resources comprises at least one frequency band becoming unavailableor an increase of at least one neighboring network.

Example embodiments of the invention further comprise, if there are noavailable resources and no reallocatable used resources in thecoexistence band for neighboring wireless networks, then indicating bythe coexistence manager to the coexistence enabler that the resourcerequest is denied.

Example embodiments of the invention further comprise, if there arereallocatable used resources in the coexistence band for neighboringnetworks that are in the network allocation group, then agreeing withone or more coexistence managers managing neighboring wireless networksin the same network allocation group, to reassign one or more of thereallocatable used resources to the coexistence enabler andcommunicating the result of the reassigning with all of the coexistencemanagers managing neighboring wireless networks in the same networkallocation group, if the coexistence enabler is eligible for thereallocatable used resources for networks in the same network allocationgroup.

Example embodiments of the invention further comprise, if there arereallocatable used resources in the coexistence band for neighboringnetworks that are not in the same network allocation group, thenagreeing with all of the coexistence managers managing neighboringwireless networks, to reassign one or more of the reallocatable usedresources to the coexistence enabler and communicating with all of thecoexistence managers managing neighboring wireless networks, if thecoexistence enabler is eligible for the reallocatable used resources ofall of the neighboring networks.

Example embodiments of the invention further comprise, if there are noavailable resources and no reallocatable used resources in thecoexistence band for neighboring wireless networks, then indicating bythe coexistence manager to the coexistence enabler that the resourcerequest is denied.

Example embodiments of the invention further include the coexistenceband being in a TV white space frequency band.

Example embodiments of the invention further include the coexistenceband being in other RF spectrum white space bands besides TV whitespaces bands, where a primary user in a particular radio band would be aradio licensed to operate in that band, but in those geographic areaswhere there may be no licensed radios in operation in that band, otherunlicensed secondary users may make use of that band.

Example embodiments of the invention may include a coexistence manager,comprising:

at least one processor;

at least one memory including computer program code;

the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to,with the at least one processor, cause the coexistence manager at leastto:

search for at least one available free resource in a wireless networkcoexistence band by the coexistence manager, in response to a resourcerequest from a coexistence enabler in a wireless network;

if there are insufficient available free resources in the coexistenceband, then check by the coexistence manager for availability ofallocated but unused resources in the coexistence band, as advertised byone or more coexistence managers managing neighboring wireless networksin a network allocation group of the coexistence enabler; and

if there are insufficient available free resources or not enoughadvertised allocated but unused resources in the coexistence band forthe network allocation group, then analyze by the coexistence managerresources and resource needs in the coexistence band for neighboringnetworks.

Example embodiments of the invention may include a computer readablemedium storing program instructions, which when executed by a computerprocessor, perform the steps comprising:

searching for at least one available free resource in a wireless networkcoexistence band by a coexistence manager, in response to a resourcerequest from a coexistence enabler in a wireless network;

if there are insufficient available free resources in the coexistenceband, then checking by the coexistence manager for availability ofallocated but unused resources in the coexistence band, as advertised byone or more coexistence managers managing neighboring wireless networksin a network allocation group of the coexistence enabler; and

if there are insufficient available free resources or not enoughadvertised allocated but unused resources in the coexistence band forthe network allocation group, then analyzing by the coexistence managerresources and resource needs in the coexistence band for neighboringnetworks.

The resulting embodiments provide independent wireless resource sharingon a fair basis to enable selecting the most suitable coexistencebetween wireless networks.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an example system architecture diagram according to anembodiment of the present invention, illustrating a wirelessmetropolitan area network's coverage area overlapped by a wireless localarea network and the reallocation of channels from the wireless localarea network to the TV white space band.

FIG. 1A is an example system architecture according to an embodiment ofthe present invention, illustrating an example relationship between thecoexistence manager, the primary database, and the coexistence networkelement CoexServ. A network of distributed coexistence managers maycommunicate with one another over the Internet, in an example embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 1B is an example functional block diagram according to anembodiment of the present invention, illustrating an example TV whitespace wireless device including the coexistence manager and thecoexistence enabler for a network. The device may be configured tooperate in additional RF spectrum white space bands wherein there are noprimary user radios operating in the neighboring wireless networks.

FIG. 1C is an example functional block diagram according to anembodiment of the present invention, illustrating the IEEE 802.11 WLANAP and TVWS device STA1, which includes the coexistence manager and thecoexistence enabler, communicating over the Internet with the primarydatabase and the coexistence network element CoexServ.

FIG. 1D is an example network diagram according to another embodiment ofthe present invention, illustrating the IEEE 802.11 WLAN AP and TVWSdevice STA5, which includes the coexistence enabler, communicating overa backhaul wireline and/or internet link with the coexistence manager.

FIG. 1E is an example frequency band diagram illustrating an exampleTDMA coexistence frame 22 in sub-band 12 in the FCC dedicated TV whitespace band of 470-806 MHz, an example TDMA coexistence frame 24 insub-band 14 in the FCC dedicated TV white space band of 54-88 MHz, andan example TDMA coexistence frame 26 in sub-band 16 in the earthstation-to-satellite locally unused white space band 2.025 GHz to 2.110GHz, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1F is an example frequency band diagram illustrating an exampleTDMA coexistence frame 28 in sub-band 18 in the TV white space bandlocally unused by licensed TV broadcasters in the 174-204 MHz band,representing broadcast TV channels 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 in the Richmond,Va. (USA) area, an example TDMA coexistence frame 22 in sub-band 12 inthe FCC dedicated TV white space band of 470-806 MHz, and an exampleTDMA coexistence frame 26 in sub-band 16 in the earthstation-to-satellite locally unused white space band 2.025 GHz to 2.110GHz, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1G is an example map of the Richmond, Va. (USA) geographic area andan overlay of coverage areas for broadcast TV channels 7, 8, 9, 10, and11, illustrating that there is a locally available TV white space bandthat is unused by licensed TV broadcasters in the 174-204 MHz band.

FIG. 2 is an example network topology scenario where the network “B”needs more resources, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is an example of coexistence management of the several networksshown in FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an example arrangement of the coexistence enablers fornetworks A through G, the coexistence managers serving the coexistenceenablers, the primary database, and the coexistence network elementCoexServ, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is an example network diagram according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating an example of communicating by thecoexistence manager 102, with one or more coexistence managers managingneighboring wireless networks, that advertise white space slotsallocated but not used in a coexistence band.

FIG. 5B is an example network diagram according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating an example of communicating by thecoexistence manager 102, with one or more coexistence managers managingneighboring wireless networks belonging to a same network allocationgroup as the coexistence manager, to analyze the allocation of whitespace slots for neighbor networks in the same network allocation group.

FIG. 5C is an example network diagram according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating an example of communicating by thecoexistence manager 102, with all of its coexistence managers managingneighboring wireless networks, to analyze the allocation of white spaceslots for all neighbor networks.

FIG. 6A is an example frequency band diagram illustrating a coexistencesub-band 10 in the TV white space band according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating an example of existing twelve TVWS slotsadvertised as allocated but not used by 802.11 network “A” (see FIG.5A).

FIG. 6B is an example frequency band diagram illustrating a coexistencesub-band 10 in the TV white space band according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating an example of WLAN AP STA1 taking eightTVWS slots for 802.11 network “B” that had been advertised as allocatedbut not used by 802.11 network “A” (see FIG. 5A).

FIG. 6C is an example frequency band diagram illustrating a coexistencesub-band 10 in the TV white space band according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating an example of WLAN AP STA1 in 802.11network “B”, which starts with twelve TVWS slots in the 802.11 masterslot in TVWS sub-band 10 (see FIG. 5B).

FIG. 6D is an example frequency band diagram illustrating a coexistencesub-band 10 in the TV white space band according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating an example of STA3 in 802.11 network “A”giving up two TVWS slots, donating them to STA1 in 802.11 network “B”(see FIG. 5B).

FIG. 6E is an example frequency band diagram illustrating a coexistencesub-band 10 in the TV white space band according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating an example of WLAN AP STA1 in 802.11network “B” starting with twelve TVWS slots. There are also 4 TVWS slotsadvertised as allocated but not used by WMAN 802.16 network “D” (seeFIG. 5C).

FIG. 6F is an example frequency band diagram illustrating a coexistencesub-band 10 in the TV white space band according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating an example of base STA8 in 802.16network “D” giving up four TVWS slots, donating them to STA1 in 802.11network “B” (see FIG. 5C).

FIG. 6G is an example frequency band diagram illustrating a coexistencesub-band 10 in the TV white space band according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating an example of no TVWS slots beingavailable in TVWS sub-band 10 for either 802.11 networks “A” and “B” orfor 802.16 network “D”.

FIG. 6H is an example frequency band diagram illustrating twocoexistence sub-bands 10 and 2 in the TV white space band according toan embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an example of fourTVWS slots from 802.11 network “B” being re allocated to the new 802.11master slot in new TVWS sub-band 12.

FIG. 7 is an example flow diagram of operational steps in a resourcerequest process, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8, consisting of FIGS. 8A and 8B, is an example flow diagram ofoperational steps in processing a resource request, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

DISCUSSION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the United States, the FCC has opened up 300 MHz to 400 MHz of whitespaces for unlicensed use that became unused after a federally mandatedtransformation of analog TV broadcasting to digital TV broadcasting.However, the FCC has prohibited unlicensed use of white spaces frominterfering with existing licensed uses, including digital TV stations,low power TV stations, cable TV headends, and sites where low powerwireless microphones are used. Various proposals have been made forunlicensed use of the white spaces left by the termination of analog TV,for example rural broadband deployment, auxiliary public safetycommunications, educational and enterprise video conferencing, personalconsumer applications, mesh networks, security applications, municipalbroadband access, enhanced local coverage and communications, fixedbackhaul, and sensor aggregation for smart grid meter reading.

Coexistence standards are currently being developed to enable two ormore independently operated wireless networks or devices using differentradio technologies adapted for TV white space frequency bands, to accessthe same TV white space frequency band in the same location withoutmutual interference.

The IEEE 802.19 Working Group is currently defining coexistence rulesfor heterogeneous secondary networks. Embodiments of the presentinvention enable coexistence between heterogeneous secondary networksand coexistence between secondary networks and primary networks that arerequired to be protected. Primary networks and users are incumbent usersof the selected frequency band that have a form of priority access tothe band. Primary networks include networks operating in FCC licensedbands, such as for commercial radio and television broadcasting.Secondary networks and users are allowed to use the selected band onlyif there are resources that are not used by the primary users. Secondarynetworks include any broadband networks operating unlicensed in the TVwhite spaces (TVWS) and using transmission devices that comply with theFCC requirements for TV Band Devices (TVBDs). Fixed TVBD devices mustinclude geo-location and query a database to determine allowed channels.Portable TVBD devices must be able to access geo-location data andinclude a spectrum sensing capability to identify TV and wirelessmicrophone signals.

The FCC has adopted rules to allow unlicensed radio transmitters tooperate in the broadcast television spectrum at locations where thatspectrum is not being used by licensed broadcasters. The FCC requiredthe use of geolocation to establish the location of the unlicensedtransmitter and a database of TV bands use by licensed broadcastersorganized by their geographic coverage areas, to enable the unlicensedtransmitter to know where local TV white space bands may be available.The FCC required the use of spectrum sensors in the unlicensedtransmitter to detect the presence of the incumbent, primary TVbroadcaster's signal in the local TV white space band to enable theunlicensed transmitter to immediately relinquish using the band. Aprimary user in such a local TV white space band would be an incumbentTV broadcaster licensed to operate in that band, but in those geographicareas where there are no licensed incumbent TV broadcasters inoperation, other unlicensed secondary users may make use of that band.

Other RF spectrum white spaces may be locally unused in certaingeographic areas, such as the frequency allocations from maritime radioin landlocked areas remote from the sea. A primary user in such amaritime radio band would be a maritime radio licensed to operate inthat band, but in those geographic areas where there are no licensedmaritime radios in operation, other unlicensed secondary users may makeuse of that band. Similarly, locally unused RF spectrum white spaces maybe present in certain geographic locations, such as the frequencyallocations from 2.025 GHz to 2.110 GHz for earth stations to transmitto communications satellites, in areas remote from such earth stations.A primary user in such a satellite earth station radio band would be asatellite earth station licensed to operate in that band, but in thosegeographic areas where there are no satellite earth stations inoperation, other unlicensed secondary users may make use of that band.

Embodiments of the present invention apply coexistence rules to enableheterogeneous secondary networks to share available resources in a fairmanner and not cause harmful interference to primary networks.Embodiments of the present invention enable the dynamic allocation in TVwhite spaces (TVWS), of different networks with different standards indifferent available channel situations. Embodiments of the presentinvention determine whether the allocation analysis needs to be appliedto all real neighbors.

Example embodiments are disclosed for independent wireless resourcesharing on a fair basis to enable selecting the most suitablecoexistence between wireless networks.

Example embodiments of the invention include a hierarchical resourcerequest process that enables reallocation of radio resources in acoexistence band. When new resources are requested by a network, asearch is made for free resources in the coexistence band. If this doesnot succeed, a check is made for any allocated but unused resources inthe coexistence band that have been advertised by neighboring networksin the same network allocation group. If there are insufficientadvertised resources, then the allocation of resources in neighboringnetworks is analyzed and compared with the requesting network's need fornetwork resources. There are two graduated stages to the analysis. In anexample light analysis stage, an analysis of the allocation of resourcesis limited to neighboring networks within the same network allocationgroup as the requesting network's. In a more extensive analysis stage,all of the neighboring networks are analyzed. In this manner, a morecomplete resource reallocation may be achieved.

Example embodiments of the invention include the steps to check if thereis a free channel or if there are enough advertised resources. the orderof these two steps may be reverser and optionally, either one of thesetwo steps may be skipped.

Example embodiments of the invention include a resource reallocationthat enables heterogeneous and unlicensed spectrum users to agree andnegotiate on spectrum use to better coexist with each other.

Depending on the wireless environment state, including whether therehave been any major changes in the local area of a wireless networkafter a previous resource allocation, the network needing more resourcesmay initiate either a light resource request process directed only tothe networks in the same network allocation group or a more extensiveresource request process directed to all networks within interferencerange. This selective possibility brings more stability to environmentwhen resource needs are varying.

According to at least one embodiment of the present invention,independent wireless resource sharing is achieved on a fair basis toenable selecting the most suitable coexistence between wirelessnetworks.

Radio resource allocations may be changed when a network sees a clearneed for a reallocation from its perspective. Each network has a view ofits own and its real neighbors' allocations and environmental statebased on spectrum mapping, for example. This information may be one ofseveral factors in performing the radio resource allocation analysis.

FIG. 1 is an example system architecture diagram according to anembodiment of the present invention, illustrating the coverage of anIEEE 802.16h wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN) cell overlappedby an IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) cell. An IEEE802.16h WMAN STA 6 exchanges wireless broadband messages with an IEEE802.16h WMAN base station 8 in a WMAN network “D”. The WLAN access pointSTA1 exchanges wireless broadband messages with an IEEE 802.11 clientdevice STA2, such as a personal computer over the WLAN network “B”. BothIEEE 802.11 WLAN access point STA1 and the IEEE 802.11 client deviceSTA2 interfere with the IEEE 802.16h WMAN STA 6. For example, WLANdevices are typically designed for better resistance to saturation thanWMAN devices, since WMAN devices must be more sensitive to attenuatedsignals received over a greater range than are WLAN devices and aretherefore more sensitive to interference. Both the WLAN access pointSTA1 and IEEE 802.11 client device STA2 are TV white space (TVWS)devices, meaning that they are equipped to communicate over thededicated TV white space band 30. Similarly, the IEEE 802.16h WMAN STA 6and the IEEE 802.16h WMAN base station 8 are TV white space (TVWS)devices, meaning that they are equipped to communicate over thededicated TV white space band 30. Thus, the interference of the IEEE802.16h WMAN STA 6 by both the IEEE 802.11 WLAN access point STA1 andthe IEEE 802.11 client device STA2 may be ameliorated by reallocatingthe IEEE 802.11 frames from the WLAN network “B” to the TV white spaceband link 3. The dedicated TV white space band 30 may be shared by manyterminals using diverse communication protocols. For example, if theWMAN network “D” reaches its maximum capacity, the traffic congestionmay be alleviated by reallocating the IEEE 802.16h frames from the WMANnetwork “D” to the TV white space band link 4. A third device, STA3, ispresent in the 802.11 WLAN cell of STA1, as part of a neighboringnetwork “A” with 802.11 AP STA5. STA3 is also a TV white space (TVWS)device and has reallocated frames on TVWS link 9 communicating over thededicated TV white space band 30. A fourth device, STA4, is present inthe 802.11 WLAN cell of STA1, as part of a neighboring network “F” with802.11 AP STAT. STA4 is also a TV white space (TVWS) device and hasreallocated frames on TVWS link 15 communicating over the dedicated TVwhite space band 30.

Other network topologies may make use of example embodiments of theinvention, for example more heterogeneous networks, each of which has anInternet connection that they may use first for neighboring networkdiscovery.

FIG. 1 also shows three example white space bands locally unused bylicensed primary users of their respective RF spectrum white spaces,which may be used by the WLAN access point STA1 or client device STA2,operating as unlicensed secondary users. TV white space band 31 islocally unused by licensed TV broadcasters. Maritime radio band 33 islocally unused by licensed maritime band radios. Earthstation-to-satellite radio band 35 is locally unused by licensed earthstation radios. An example of a TV white space band 31 locally unused bylicensed TV broadcasters is the 174-204 MHz band, representing the localabsence of broadcast VHF TV channels 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. If there werea local absence of licensed broadcasters in TV white space band 31, onVHF TV channels 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, which would otherwise interferewith the WLAN access point STA1 or client device STA2, then they couldoperate as unlicensed secondary users and make use of TV white spaceband 31. If either STA1 or STA2 were to detect a signal transmitted froma neighboring TV broadcaster in band 31, then they would have torelinquish their use of the TV white space band 31 and make a resourcerequest, in accordance with the example embodiments of the invention.

A maritime radio operates in a number of licensed frequency allocationsand is a primary user in the maritime radio band 33. If there were nolicensed maritime radios in operation that would interfere with the WLANaccess point STA1 or client device STA2, then they could operate asunlicensed secondary users and make use of maritime radio band 33. Ifeither STA1 or STA2 were to detect a signal transmitted from aneighboring maritime radio, then they would have to relinquish their useof the maritime band 33 and make a resource request, in accordance withthe example embodiments of the invention.

A satellite earth station transmits to satellites in licensed frequencyallocations from 2.025 GHz to 2.110 GHz and is a primary user in theearth-to-satellite band 35. If there were no licensed earth stationradios in operation that would interfere with the WLAN access point STA1or client device STA2, then they could operate as unlicensed secondaryusers and make use of earth-to-satellite radio band 35. If either STA1or STA2 were to detect a signal transmitted from a neighboring earthstation radio, then they would have to relinquish their use of theearth-to-satellite band 35 and make a resource request, in accordancewith the example embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1A is an example system architecture according to an embodiment ofthe present invention, illustrating an example relationship between thecoexistence manager, the primary database, and the coexistence networkelement CoexServ. A network of distributed coexistence managers 102 and103 may communicate with one another over the Internet, in an exampleembodiment of the invention. The coexistence enabler 100 in the IEEE802.11 WLAN access point STA1 for a Network “B” is collocated with theTVWS coexistence manager 102. The coexistence enabler 100′ in the IEEE802.16h WMAN base STA8 for a Network “D” is collocated with the TVWScoexistence manager 103. The distributed coexistence managers 102 and103 may communicate over the Internet with the TVWS primary database 104and the TVWS coexistence network element CoexServ 106, in an exampleembodiment of the invention.

If there has been a major change in the network neighborhood after aprevious resource allocation, resulting in there being not enough freeor advertized resources are available to satisfy the requirements ofNetwork “B”, the coexistence enabler 100 and coexistence manager 102 mayinitiate a resource reallocation process. The resource reallocationprocess may be either a light resource request process directed only tothe networks in the same network allocation group or a more extensiveresource request process directed to all networks within interferencerange. This graduated analysis brings more stability to the networkenvironment when resource needs are varying. Example steps in requestinga reallocation of resources are:

-   -   coexistence enabler 100 identifies excess resource need because        of:        -   Internal request        -   Coexistence communication trigger    -   coexistence enabler 100 sends a Resource Request to its        coexistence manager 102.    -   coexistence manager 102 analyses environment situation using        -   Spectrum map (a separate process to keep updated)    -   coexistence manager 102 determines resource allocation process        -   More extensive: change in number of available channels for            secondary users or in number of secondary networks        -   Light: other cases    -   coexistence manager 102 initiates resource allocation if        coexistence enabler 100 is eligible or other suitable free        resources available.

Examples of a network allocation group include self-coexistencescenarios where two systems (a base station or access point and theassociated mobile station or STA) use the same technology and may sharea frequency channel. For example, an IEEE 802.11 WLAN may coexist withanother IEEE 802.11 WLAN in sharing a TV white space band, if bothsystems use the same physical layer (PHY) technology and channel width.In another example, an IEEE 802.16h WMAN coexists with another IEEE802.16h WMAN in sharing a TV white space band.

Other examples of a network allocation group include different IEEE 802network technologies that may be time division multiplexed based on theIEEE 802.16h draft standard and are synchronized with a GPS clock orIEEE 1588 or IETF network time protocol clocks.

Example embodiments of the architecture of FIG. 1A show the relationshipbetween the coexistence enabler 100 and the coexistence manager 102 inthe TV white space (TVWS) WLAN access point STA1 and the distributedcoexistence manager 103 in the TVWS base STAB. The coexistence enabler100 has to obtain information required for coexistence from a trafficnetwork or device representing it. This includes configuration andcontrol of measurements. Also, the coexistence enabler 100 has toprovide reconfiguration commands and control information to the Network“B” or the WLAN access point STA1, corresponding to coexisting decisionsreceived from coexistence managers 102 and 103, respectively. Thecoexistence manager 102 is responsible for discovery of CoexistenceManagers (CM)s 103 managing neighboring wireless networks, for example,and coexistence related information may be exchanged with them. Thecoexistence manager 102 o 103 has the needed information to makedecisions of resource sharing among the Coexistence Managers (CM)smanaging neighboring wireless networks.

The example system architecture of FIG. 1A shows the coexistence enabler100 and coexistence manager 102 in the TV white space WLAN access pointSTA1 for a Network “B”. In the example shown, the TV white space (TVWS)WLAN access point STA1 includes a coexistence enabler 100 andcoexistence manager 102, and is serving as an access point for the TVWSwireless device STA2 in the Network “B”, which may be, for example, anIEEE 802.11 WLAN. The IEEE 802.16h WMAN base STA 8 is also a TV whitespace (TVWS) wireless device and includes a coexistence enabler 100′ andcoexistence manager 103, and communicates with the WMAN STA 6. IEEE802.16h WMAN base station 8 is in the WMAN network “D”, which may be,for example, an IEEE 802.16h WMAN. The coexistence manager 102 handlesresource requests from the coexistence enabler 100 in STA1. Thecoexistence manager 103 handles resource requests from the coexistenceenabler 100′ in base STA 8. The TV white space (TVWS) WLAN access pointSTA1 in the Network “B” includes a Network “B” MAC and PHY tocommunicate over the Network “B”. The IEEE 802.16h WMAN base STA 8 inthe Network “D”, includes a Network “D” MAC and PHY to communicate overthe Network “D”. Each TV white space (TVWS) wireless devices STA1 in theNetwork “B” and STA 6 in the Network “D”, includes a TV white spaces MACand PHY to communicate in channels in the TV white spaces bandreallocated by the coexistence manager 102 and 103, respectively,without mutual interference. The coexistence enablers 100 and 100′ inSTA1 and in base STA 8 send resource requests to the respectivecoexistence managers 102 and 103.

The example system architecture of FIG. 1A shows the coexistence manager102 receiving a resource request from the coexistence enabler 100 in TVwhite space (TVWS) WLAN access point STA1. The coexistence manager 102has received Spectrum sensing results and network parameters from thecoexistence enabler 100 in device STA1. Network parameters may includespecific user requirements (user load, QoS, priority, etc), aggregatespectral efficiency, etiquette (first come, first served, etc.), anduser or network policies. The coexistence manager 102 accesses theprimary database 104 to obtain available secondary channels in the TVwhite space band. The coexistence manager 102 accesses the coexistencenetwork element CoexServ 106 to obtain Potential neighbor networks'addresses. The coexistence manager 102 processes this data inconjunction with Spectrum maps, Operational parameters, and Time basesync, to determine a resource reallocation for the coexistence enabler100 in device STA1. The coexistence manager 102 then sends to thecoexistence enabler 100 in device STA1 the resource reallocation,including Operational parameters, Quiet period parameters, Spectrumsensing strategy, and Time base sync. The coexistence enabler 100 indevice STA1 then controls the medium access control (MAC) to communicatein channels in the TV white spaces band reallocated by the coexistencemanager 102, without interference from other networks sharing the samewhite space channels. A similar operation may be carried our by thecoexistence manager 103 in conjunction with the coexistence enabler 100′in base STA 8. A network of distributed coexistence managers 102 and 103may communicate with one another over the Internet 105.

FIG. 1B is an example functional block diagram according to anembodiment of the present invention, illustrating an example TV whitespace WLAN access point STA1 including the coexistence enabler 100 forNetwork “B” and coexistence manager 102. The example device STA1includes a protocol stack for Network “B”, including the radio 128 andthe Network “B” IEEE 802.11 MAC 142, which may be based, for example, onthe IEEE 802.11 WLAN standard. The MAC 142 includes integrated TV whitespace features. The protocol stack may also include a network layer 140,a transport layer 138, and an application program 136. The exampledevice STA1 includes a processor 134 that includes a dual core centralprocessing unit CPU_1 and CPU_2, a RAM memory, a ROM memory, and aninterface for a keypad, display, and other input/output devices. Alocation sensor 134, such as a GPS is included to establish thegeographic location of the device STA1, and the location of the STA1 isreported to the coexistence manager 102. The coexistence enabler 100sends resource requests to the coexistence manager 102. The MAC 142includes integrated TV white space features to communicate using theradio 128 in channels in the TV white spaces band reallocated by thecoexistence manager 102, without mutual interference. The spectrumsensor 130 senses the electromagnetic environment of the STA1 andreports it to the coexistence manager 102.

The interface circuits in FIG. 1B may interface with one or more radiotransceivers, battery and other power sources, key pad, touch screen,display, microphone, speakers, ear pieces, camera or other imagingdevices, etc. The RAM and ROM may be removable memory devices such assmart cards, SIMs, WIMs, semiconductor memories such as RAM, ROM, PROMS,flash memory devices, etc. The processor protocol stack layers, and/orapplication program may be embodied as program logic stored in the RAMand/or ROM in the form of sequences of programmed instructions which,when executed in the CPU, carry out the functions of the disclosedembodiments. The program logic may be delivered to the writeable RAM,PROMS, flash memory devices, etc. of the coexistence enabler andcoexistence manager from a computer program product or article ofmanufacture in the form of computer-usable media such as resident memorydevices, smart cards or other removable memory devices, or in the formof program logic transmitted over any transmitting medium whichtransmits such a program. Alternately, they may be embodied asintegrated circuit logic in the form of programmed logic arrays orcustom designed application specific integrated circuits (ASIC). The oneor more radios in the device may be separate transceiver circuits oralternately, the one or more radios may be a single RF module capable ofhandling one or multiple channels in a high speed, time and frequencymultiplexed manner in response to the processor.

FIG. 1C is an example functional block diagram according to anembodiment of the present invention, illustrating the IEEE 802.11 WLANAP & TVWS device STA1 that includes both the coexistence manager 102 andthe coexistence enabler 100. The coexistence manager 102 communicateswith the primary database 104 and the coexistence network elementCoexServ 106 via the Internet interface 156. The coexistence manager 102accesses the primary database 104 to obtain available secondary channelsin the TV white space band. The coexistence manager 102 accesses thecoexistence network element CoexServ 106 to obtain Potential neighbornetworks' addresses. The coexistence manager 102 sends resourcereallocation messages to the coexistence enabler 100. The examplecoexistence manager 102 includes a processor 154 that includes a dualcore central processing unit CPU_1 and CPU_2, a RAM memory, a ROMmemory, and an interface for input/output devices. The databaseinterface 156 provides the interface to the primary database 104 and thecoexistence network element CoexServ 106.

The interface circuits in FIG. 1C may interface with one or more radiotransceivers, battery and other power sources, key pad, touch screen,display, microphone, speakers, ear pieces, camera or other imagingdevices, etc. The RAM and ROM may be removable memory devices such assmart cards, SIMs, WIMs, semiconductor memories such as RAM, ROM, PROMS,flash memory devices, etc. The processor protocol stack layers, and/orapplication program may be embodied as program logic stored in the RAMand/or ROM in the form of sequences of programmed instructions which,when executed in the CPU, carry out the functions of the disclosedembodiments. The program logic may be delivered to the writeable RAM,PROMS, flash memory devices, etc. of the coexistence enabler from acomputer program product or article of manufacture in the form ofcomputer-usable media such as resident memory devices, smart cards orother removable memory devices, or in the form of program logictransmitted over any transmitting medium which transmits such a program.Alternately, they may be embodied as integrated circuit logic in theform of programmed logic arrays or custom designed application specificintegrated circuits (ASIC). The one or more radios in the device may beseparate transceiver circuits or alternately, the one or more radios maybe a single RF module capable of handling one or multiple channels in ahigh speed, time and frequency multiplexed manner in response to theprocessor.

FIG. 1D is an example network diagram according to another embodiment ofthe present invention, illustrating the IEEE 802.11 WLAN AP and TVWSdevice STA5, which includes the coexistence enabler 100″, communicatingover a backhaul wireline and/or internet link 5 with the coexistencemanager 102″.

FIG. 1E is an example frequency band diagram illustrating an exampleTDMA coexistence frame 22 in sub-band 12 in the FCC dedicated TV whitespace band of 470-806 MHz, an example TDMA coexistence frame 24 insub-band 14 in the FCC dedicated TV white space band of 54-88 MHz, andan example TDMA coexistence frame 26 in sub-band 16 in the earthstation-to-satellite locally unused white space band 2.025 GHz to 2.110GHz, according to an embodiment of the present invention. License-exemptaccess to these bands as a secondary use for coexistence of networksrequesting additional resources, may include restrictions on geographiclocation, transmission power, range, and bandwidth of the transmissionsof the requesting networks.

For example, the 802.11 WLAN standards specify an OFDM-based physicallayer with a bandwidth of 20 MHz channel separation. At 11 MHz from thecenter of the channel, the energy is approximately 20 dB lower than themaximum signal level. Further away from the centre frequency, the energylevels fall further resulting in minimal interference on adjacentchannels. The TV white space bands at 54-88 MHz and at 470-806 MHz aregood candidates for coexistence of an 802.11 WLAN wireless LAN channel.The earth station-to-satellite white space band at 2.025 GHz to 2.110GHz is a good candidate for coexistence of an 802.11 WLAN wireless LANchannel. A TV white space band locally unused by licensed TVbroadcasters, for example, in the 174-204 MHz band, representing thelocal absence of broadcast TV channels 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, as is thecircumstance in the Richmond, Va. (USA) area, is a good candidate forcoexistence of an 802.11 WLAN wireless LAN channel.

FIG. 1E shows an example of the location of the white spaces in the RFspectrum and example TDMA coexistence frames in the white space bands,showing the freely available time slots before any networks have beenallocated slots. The white spaces include the FCC dedicated TV whitespace 54-88 MHz band, the FCC dedicated TV white space 470-806 MHz band,and locally unused the earth station-to-satellite white space band 2.025GHz to 2.110 GHz.

There are a number of TVWS coexistence techniques possible for enablingtwo or more independently operated wireless networks or devices usingdifferent radio technologies adapted for TV white space frequency bands,to access the same TV white space frequency band in the same locationwithout mutual interference. Some examples of coexistence techniquesinclude dynamic frequency selection, transmit power control,listen-before-talk behavior, time division multiplexing different IEEE802 technologies, message-based on-demand spectrum contention, andcontrol through a centralized coexistence manager.

The example coexistence technique illustrated here for each sub-band 12,14, and 16, is time division multiplexing of the slots in TDMAcoexistence frames allocated to different IEEE 802 technologies. The twoIEEE 802 technologies chosen for this example are the IEEE 802.16h WMANstandard and the IEEE 802.11 WLAN standard. The IEEE 802.16h WMAN uses afixed outdoor base station, such as the WMAN base station 8, servingindoor and outdoor portable clients, such as the WMAN STA 6. The IEEE802.11 WLAN station, such as the WLAN access point STA1, may includeInternet access and geo-location capability. The TDMA coexistence framemay be divided into a IEEE 802.11 master slot network allocation groupand an IEEE 802.16h master slot network allocation group. The IEEE802.11 master slot network allocation group carries twelve free IEEE802.11 WLAN white space slots. The IEEE 802.16h master slot networkallocation group carries the twelve free IEEE 802.16h WMAN white spaceslots.

FIG. 1F is an example frequency band diagram illustrating an exampleTDMA coexistence frame 28 in sub-band 18 in the TV white space bandlocally unused by licensed TV broadcasters in the 174-204 MHz band,representing broadcast TV channels 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 in the Richmond,Va. (USA) area, an example TDMA coexistence frame 22 in sub-band 12 inthe FCC dedicated TV white space band of 470-806 MHz, and an exampleTDMA coexistence frame 26 in sub-band 16 in the earthstation-to-satellite locally unused white space band 2.025 GHz to 2.110GHz, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1G is an example map of the Richmond, Va. (USA) geographic area andan overlay of coverage areas for broadcast TV channels 7, 8, 9, 10, and11, illustrating that there is a locally available TV white space bandthat is unused by licensed TV broadcasters in the 174-204 MHz band, asshown in FIG. 1F. The cities where there are TV broadcasters for TVchannels 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 in a circular area of approximately 160kilometers in diameter surrounding the city of Richmond, Va., are shownin the following table. The map of FIG. 1G shows that there is nocoverage by licensed TV broadcasters in the 174-204 MHz band, which istherefore a locally available TV white space band.

WASHINGTON, DC TV CHANNEL 7 174-180 MHz NORFOLK, VIRGINIA TV CHANNEL 7174-180 MHz HARRISONBURG, VA TV CHANNEL 8 180-186 MHz WASHINGTON, DC TVCHANNEL 9 186-192 MHz NORFOLK, VIRGINIA TV CHANNEL 9 186-192 MHzWINCHESTER, VA TV CHANNEL 10 192-198 MHz RALEIGH, NC TV CHANNEL 11198-204 MHz STAUNTON, VIRGINIA TV CHANNEL 11 198-204 MHz

FIG. 2 is an example network topology scenario where the network “B”needs more resources, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. Example embodiments of the invention specify the coexistenceentities, their relationships and the resource request method, asillustrated by the following example. The FIG. 2 shows a networkscenario, where the circles A, B, C, D, E, F, and G represent thecoverage area of each network. These networks are controlled incoexistence by the coexistence enabler and the coexistence manager. Eachnetwork has its own coexistence enabler and may have its own coexistencemanager or alternately one coexistence manager may control severalnetworks, for example a company WLAN network with several APs.

Procedures to find real neighbors, how to analyze fair resourceallocation between the real neighbors, and what content is to becommunicated between real neighbors is described in the copending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/689,663. filed Jan. 19, 2010, entitled“Apparatus Identification In Coexistence Networking”, by Mika Kasslin,Jari Junell, Juha Salokannel, assigned to Nokia Corporation andincorporated herein by reference.

The identification of neighboring networks may be performed bytransmitting a request to a server, such as via an Internet connection,to inquire as to whether other networks are located near enough to therequesting network to be in an operational environment. The server mayreturn information to the requesting network via the Internetidentifying other proximately-located networks. The requesting networkmay utilize this information to communicate with the proximate networks.

In at least one example embodiment, the information provided by theserver may include Internet addresses corresponding to network devicesin potential neighboring wireless networks in the same operationalenvironment as the requesting network. The requesting network maycontact at least some of the potential neighboring networks via theInternet in order to request communication configuration and testinformation. The other potential networks may respond to these requests,and the requesting network may use the communication receivedconfiguration and test information to select a group of candidateneighboring networks. Candidate neighboring networks may be selectedbased on, for example, the distance from the requesting network to apotential neighboring network, transmission properties (for example,transmission power of potential neighboring networks), etc. Informationneeded for candidate selection may be provided by potential neighboringnetworks to the requesting network via an Internet connection.

In accordance with at least one example embodiment, the requestingnetwork may then initiate testing the group of candidate neighboringnetworks. Testing may comprise transmitting one or more wireless signalsthat should be receivable by the candidate neighboring networks. Thecandidate neighboring networks that receive the wireless signals maythen transmit reports to the requesting network via an Internetconnection confirming receipt of a signal. The requesting network mayutilize testing results to select real neighbor networks from the groupof candidate neighboring networks.

FIG. 3 is an example of coexistence management of the several networksshown in FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention.Different coexistence managers 102 are connected together based onactual network overlapping below them. Also networks A, F, and G mayform a company network, where each network has its own coexistenceenabler 100″, but all are managed by one coexistence manager 102″. Tocomplete the architecture view all coexistence managers has a connectionto primary database 104 and coexistence network element CoexServ 106, asshown in FIG. 4A. It is possible that some networks may rely only onspectrum sensing (a special mode in FCC TV white spaces).

FIG. 4 is an example arrangement of the coexistence enablers 100 fornetworks A through G, the coexistence managers 102 and 103 respectivelyserving the coexistence enablers 100 and 100′, the primary database 104,and the coexistence network element CoexServ 106, according to anembodiment of the present invention. For example, the coexistencemanager CM_1 serves a single coexistence enabler CE_B for network “B”that includes STA1. The coexistence manager CM_3 serves a singlecoexistence enabler CE_C for network “C”. The coexistence manager CM_4serves a single coexistence enabler CE_D 100′ for the 802.16 network “D”that includes base STA 8. Coexistence manager CM_2 102″ serves threecoexistence enablers CE_A, CE_F, and CE_G. Coexistence enabler CE_A 100″serves network “A” that includes STA5 and STA3. Coexistence enabler CE_Fserves network “F” that includes STA4. All four coexistence managersCM_1, CM_2, CM_3, and CM_4 may access each other over the Internet 105,based on actual network overlapping of the networks they serve. All ofthe coexistence managers CM_1, CM_2, CM_3, and CM_4 have a connection tothe primary database 104 and coexistence network element CoexServ 106.

The coexistence manager 102 applies rules in making its determination ofwhich of two networks based on different technologies, should be givenpriority in spectrum reallocation. For example, WLAN devices aretypically designed for better resistance to saturation than WMANdevices, since WMAN devices must be more sensitive to attenuated signalsreceived over a greater range than are WLAN devices. Thus, in exampleembodiments of the invention, the coexistence manager 102 will generallyfavor the reallocation of an 802.11 network to the TVWS band, instead ofreallocating the 802.16 network, when spectrum reallocation isrequested, so as to remove the source of disturbance from the vicinityof 802.16 network.

The coexistence manager (CM) 102 decides, if no free channel or enoughadvertized resources were available whether to grant the request bydetermining whether resource allocation requires an extensivereallocation or a light reallocation of a number of secondary channelsor networks. In a light resource request process, for example, a changein the number of terminals within a single frequency channel may requirechanges only among the allocations between the users of that channel. Inan extensive resource request process, for example, if a primary userreserves a channel, then all secondary users of that channel need to bereallocated to other channels, and a more complete resource reallocationmay be initiated.

The coexistence manager 102 then sends to the coexistence enabler 100 indevice STA1 the resource reallocation, including Operational parameters,Quiet period parameters, Spectrum sensing strategy, and Time base sync.The coexistence enabler 100 in device STA1 then controls the TV whitespace MAC to communicate in channels in the TV white spaces bandreallocated by the coexistence manager 102, without interference fromother networks sharing the same white space channels.

An example embodiment of the types of information exchanged between thecoexistence manager 102, primary database 104, CoexServ 106, andcoexistence enabler 100 may be as follows.

Between coexistence manager and Primary database:

-   -   →Location of coexistence enabler to Primary database    -   ←Available channels for secondary usage to coexistence manager

Between coexistence manager and CoexServ:

-   -   →Location of coexistence enabler to CoexServ    -   →Network ID to CoexServ    -   ←Potential neighbor networks' addresses to coexistence manager

Processing in coexistence manager:

-   -   Spectrum maps    -   Operational parameters of its own (alternative 1), operational        parameters of its own and real neighbors (alternative 2)    -   time base sync

Between coexistence manager and coexistence enabler:

-   -   →Operational parameters to coexistence enabler    -   →Quiet period parameters to coexistence enabler    -   →Spectrum sensing strategy to coexistence enabler    -   →Time base sync to coexistence enabler    -   ←Spectrum sensing results to coexistence manager    -   ←Network parameters to coexistence manager    -   ←Resource Request to coexistence manager

Procedures to find real neighbors, how to analyze fair resourceallocation between the real neighbors, and what content is to becommunicated between real neighbors is described in the copending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/689,663. filed Jan. 19, 2010, entitled“Apparatus Identification In Coexistence Networking”, by Mika Kasslin,Jari Junell, Juha Salokannel, assigned to Nokia Corporation andincorporated herein by reference.

In example embodiments of the invention, the objective in the resourcerequest process is to keep the changes in spectrum allocations within assmall a number of networks as possible, but still maintain fairnessbetween the secondary networks. The operating principle to accomplishthis is to first search for a free channel and/or advertised freeresources, these two first steps may be implemented in opposite order orone of them may be skipped. And then divide spectrum reallocation intolight and more extensive resource requests, corresponding to thestimulus that invokes the resource request process. This results in morestability, on an average, to changes in allocations and avoids a requestcausing an avalanche of new allocation requests to neighboring networks.

When a need for new resources is requested by the coexistence enabler,the coexistence manager of a secondary network will first check if therewas a free channel or enough free advertized resources in neighborhood.If there are not enough resources seen, the coexistence manager willanalyze the local network environment and then select a suitableresource request process. The basic reasons for a resource requestinclude:

1. A primary has appeared in a channel currently available for secondaryusage; a) occupied at the moment by a secondary network or b) free orbackup/evacuation channel.

2. A new secondary network has entered the area

3. Interference level by some cause has raised to intolerable level

4. A new channel is found available for secondary usage

5. A secondary network in the area has closed its operation

6. A secondary network has need for more resources

7. A secondary network is releasing resources

The first three reasons for a resource request will initiate a moreextensive resource request, since there is either a change in the numberof available networks or the number of secondary networks is reduced.The appearance of a primary network may be found by spectrum sensingwith the coexistence enabler and the coexistence enabler will thenreport that appearance to the coexistence manager. The appearance of aprimary network may also be found when the primary database 104communicates that information to the coexistence manager, causing thecoexistence manager to command the coexistence enabler to shift thenetwork.

The appearance of a new secondary network may be also found by spectrumsensing with the coexistence enabler and the coexistence enabler willthen report that appearance to the coexistence manager. The appearanceof a new secondary network may be also found directly from the networkto the coexistence manager, with the help of the CoexServ 106 to sortout whether these two networks are real neighbors.

The fourth and fifth reasons for a resource request, either a newchannel is found available for secondary usage or a secondary network inthe area has closed its operation, may be a cause for some networks toinitiate more extensive resource allocation.

The sixth and seventh reasons for a resource request, either a secondarynetwork has need for more resources or a secondary network is releasingresources, may result in a light resource allocation.

After a more extensive resource request has been made, each network hasbeen allocated to a certain network allocation group and to each ofthese groups is allocated a certain quantity of channels based on thenumber of networks in each group and network parameters characterizingthe group. In a light resource request, the resources are onlyreallocated among those networks that belong to the same networkallocation group.

FIG. 5A is an example network diagram according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating if there are no or an insufficientnumber of available free resources in the coexistence band, thenchecking by the coexistence manager for availability of allocated butunused resources in the coexistence band, as advertised by one or morecoexistence managers managing neighboring wireless networks in thenetwork allocation group. As an example, the coexistence manager CM_1102, receives from one or more coexistence managers CM_2 and CM_4 103managing neighboring wireless networks, advertisements of anavailability of allocated but unused resources in a coexistence band.CM_2 transmits in step [1] a resource advertisement, “12 WS slotsallocated but not used for 802.11 networks”, as shown in the spectrumdiagram of FIG. 6A. CM_1 replies in step [2] with a reallocation command“WLAN AP STA1 takes eight WS slots for 802.11 network”, as shown in thespectrum diagram of FIG. 6B.

FIG. 5B is an example network diagram according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating if there are no or an insufficientnumber of available free resources or not enough advertised allocatedbut unused resources in the coexistence band for the network allocationgroup, then analyzing by the coexistence manager an allocation of usedresources in the coexistence band for neighboring wireless networks inthe network allocation group, for which the coexistence enabler iseligible. As an example, in step [1] the coexistence manager CM_1 102sends a query “Analyze Allocation Of WS Slots For WLAN 802.11 NeighborNetworks” to analyze allocations. In step [2] CM_2 then receives aresource status “Using 4 TVWS Slots For 802.11 STA3 in 802.11 Network‘A’” from coexistence manager CM_2, as shown in the spectrum diagram ofFIG. 6C. In step [3] CM_1 then sends a reallocation command to CM_2“WLAN AP STA1 Takes Two TVWS Slots For 802.11 Network”, as shown in thespectrum diagram of FIG. 6D.

In example embodiments of the invention, coexistence managers mayadvertise the resource status information of the networks they serve andkeep the neighboring networks aware of the availability of bothallocated but unused resources in the coexistence band and usedresources in the coexistence band. In this manner, a coexistence managerserving networks requiring resources may review the previouslydistributed advertisements of both allocated but unused resources in thecoexistence band and used resources in the coexistence band and thenproceed immediately to a reallocation command.

FIG. 5C is an example network diagram according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating if there are insufficient availableresources and insufficient reallocatable used resources in thecoexistence band for neighboring networks in the network allocationgroup, for which the coexistence enabler is eligible, then extendinganalysis by the coexistence manager to an allocation of used resourcesin the coexistence band for all neighboring wireless networks regardlessof the network allocation group, i.e., both those networks within andoutside of the same network allocation group, for which the coexistenceenabler is eligible. As the result, reallocation commands may be issuedto all the neighboring networks regardless of their network allocationgroup. As an example, in step [1] the coexistence manager CM_1 102 sendsa query “Analyze Allocation Of WS Slots For All Neighbor Networks” toanalyze allocations. In step [2] CM_2 then receives a resource status“No WS Slots For 802.11 Network” from coexistence manager CM_2. Also,CM_2 then receives a resource status “Using 4 TVWS Slots For WMAN 802.16Base STA in WMAN Network ‘D’” from coexistence manager CM_4, as shown inthe spectrum diagram of FIG. 6E. In step [3] CM_1 then sends areallocation command to CM_4 “WLAN AP STA1 Takes Two TVWS Slots From802.16 WMAN Network ‘D’”, as shown in the spectrum diagram of FIG. 6F.

FIG. 6A is an example frequency band diagram illustrating a coexistencesub-band 10 in the TV white space band according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating an example of existing twelve TVWS slotsadvertised as allocated but not used by 802.11 network “A” (see FIG.5A).

FIG. 6A illustrates the location of the TV white spaces and an exampleTDMA coexistence frame in the TV white space band, showing the occupancyof the time slots before the WLAN access point STA1 has any slotsallocated to the TV white space band. The TV white spaces include 54-88MHz band and 470-806 MHz band in the electromagnetic spectrum. Otherlocally unused white spaces may be present in certain geographiclocations, such as frequency allocations from 2.025 GHz to 2.110 GHz forearth stations to transmit to communications satellites in areas remotefrom such earth stations. Also shown is the ISM band at 2.400-2500 GHz,in which the IEEE 802.11 signals are transmitted, for example in WLANNetwork “B”. For the wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), theoriginal version of the IEEE 802.16 standard specified a physical layeroperating in the 10 to 66 GHz range. IEEE 802.16a, updated in 2004,added specifications for the 2 to 11 GHz range. For this example,example spectrum diagram shows the 2 to 11 GHz range, in which the IEEE802.16 signals are transmitted, for example in WMAN Network “D”.

There are a number of TVWS coexistence techniques possible for enablingtwo or more independently operated wireless networks or devices usingdifferent radio technologies adapted for TV white space frequency bands,to access the same TV white space frequency band in the same locationwithout mutual interference. Some examples of coexistence techniquesinclude dynamic frequency selection, transmit power control,listen-before-talk behavior, time division multiplexing different IEEE802 technologies, message-based on-demand spectrum contention, andcontrol through a centralized coexistence manager.

The example TVWS coexistence technique used here is to time divisionmultiplexing different IEEE 802 technologies. The two IEEE 802technologies chosen for this example are the IEEE 802.16h WMAN standardand the IEEE 802.11 WLAN standard. The IEEE 802.16h WMAN uses a fixedoutdoor base station, such as the WMAN base station 8, serving indoorand outdoor portable clients, such as the WMAN STA 6. The IEEE 802.11WLAN station, such as the WLAN access point STA1, may include Internetaccess and geo-location capability. The MAC 142 in the WLAN access pointSTA1 includes integrated TV white space features to communicate with theradio 128 in channels in the TV white spaces band reallocated by thecoexistence manager 102, without mutual interference. The IEEE 802.16hWMAN STA 6, for example, may also include a MAC with integrated TV whitespace features to communicate using a radio in frequency sub-bands inthe TV white spaces band reallocated by the coexistence manager 102,without mutual interference.

The spectrum diagram of FIG. 6A shows the TDMA coexistence frame 20 inTVWS coexistence sub-band. The 802.11 master slot network allocationgroup includes existing 4 TVWS slots in link 9 for STA3 in network “A”and existing 12 TVWS slots advertised as allocated but not used by802.11 network “A”. The 802.16h master slot network allocation groupincludes existing 12 TVWS slots in link 4 for base STA8 in network “D”and existing 4 TVWS slots advertised as allocated but not used for802.16 networks.

FIG. 6B is an example frequency band diagram illustrating a coexistencesub-band 10 in the TV white space band according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating WLAN AP STA1 takes eight TVWS slots for802.11 network “B” that had been advertised as allocated but not used by802.11 network “A” (See FIG. 5A).

A light reallocation typically is available in the followingcircumstances:

1. When a secondary network has need for more resources.

2. When a secondary network is releasing resources.

FIG. 6C is an example frequency band diagram illustrating a coexistencesub-band 10 in the TV white space band according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating WLAN AP STA1 in 802.11 network “B”starts with twelve TVWS slots in the 802.11 master slot in TVWS sub-band10. (See FIG. 5B)

FIG. 6D is an example frequency band diagram illustrating a coexistencesub-band 10 in the TV white space band according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating STA3 in 802.11 network “A” gives up twoTVWS slots, donating them to STA1 in 802.11 network “B”. (See FIG. 5B)

FIG. 6E is an example frequency band diagram illustrating a coexistencesub-band 10 in the TV white space band according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating WLAN AP STA1 in 802.11 network “B”starts with twelve TVWS slots existing 4 TVWS slots advertised asallocated but not used by WMAN 802.16 network “D” (See FIG. 5C)

FIG. 6F is an example frequency band diagram illustrating a coexistencesub-band 10 in the TV white space band according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating base STA 8 in 802.16 network “D” givesup four TVWS slots, donating them to STA1 in 802.11 network “B” (SeeFIG. 5C)

A more extensive reallocation is typically required in the followingcircumstances:

1. When a primary user (existing licensed uses, for example, licensed TVbroadcaster, etc.) has appeared in a channel currently available forsecondary usage, either occupied at the moment by a secondary network orthe primary has evacuated a channel.

2. When a new secondary network has entered the area.

3. When interference level by some cause has raised to intolerablelevel.

4. When a new channel is found available for secondary usage.

5. When a secondary network in the area has closed its operation.

FIG. 6G is an example frequency band diagram illustrating a coexistencesub-band 10 in the TV white space band according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating no TVWS slots are available in TVWSsub-band 10 for either 802.11 networks “A” AND “B” or for 802.16 network“D”.

FIG. 6H is an example frequency band diagram illustrating twocoexistence sub-bands 10 and 2 in the TV white space band according toan embodiment of the present invention, illustrating four TVWS slotsfrom 802.11 network “B” are re allocated to the new 802.11 master slotin new TVWS sub-band 12.

FIG. 7 is an example flow diagram 500 of operational steps in a resourcerequest process, according to an embodiment of the present invention,with example steps as follows:

Step 502: searching for at least one available free resource in awireless network coexistence band by a coexistence manager, in responseto a resource request from a coexistence enabler in a wireless networkof a network allocation group;

Step 504: if there are no available free resources in the coexistenceband, then checking by the coexistence manager for availability ofallocated but unused resources in the coexistence band, as advertised byone or more coexistence managers managing neighboring wireless networksin the network allocation group;

Step 506: if there are insufficient free resources and not enoughallocated but unused resources in the network allocation group in thecoexistence band, then analyzing by the coexistence manager anallocation of used resources in the coexistence band for neighboringwireless networks in the network allocation group for which thecoexistence enabler is eligible;

Step 508: if there are insufficient free resources and not enoughreallocatable used resources in the coexistence band for neighboringnetworks in the network allocation group for which the coexistenceenabler is eligible, then extending analysis by the coexistence managerto an allocation of used resources in the coexistence band for allneighboring wireless networks regardless of the network allocationgroup, for which the coexistence enabler is eligible; and

Step 510: if there are no free resources and not enough reallocatableused resources in the coexistence band for neighboring wireless networksfor which the coexistence enabler is eligible, then indicating by thecoexistence manager to the coexistence enabler that the resource requestis denied.

The steps of the flow diagram 500 of FIG. 7 represent computer codeinstructions stored in the RAM and/or ROM memory of the WLAN accesspoint STA1 and the coexistence manager 102, which when executed by thecentral processing units (CPU), carry out the functions of the exampleembodiments of the invention. The steps may be carried out in anotherorder than shown and individual steps may be combined or separated intocomponent steps.

The update of a spectrum map is an independent process, which keepsrelevant information of channel usage up to date in each coexistencemanager of secondary network(s). Each network has its own spectrum map,which spectrum channel usage information is gathered via spectrumsensing, communication with local secondary neighbors and from primarydatabase.

FIG. 8, consisting of FIGS. 8A and 8B, is an example flow diagram 600 ofoperational steps in processing the resource request, according to anembodiment of the present invention, the steps comprising:

Steps 602 to 608 in FIG. 8A are performed by Coexistence Enabler (CE):

Step 602: Process Header: Resource Allocation Process.

Step 604: Start: Resource Check.

Step 606: Process: Coexistence Enabler (CE) Identifies Excess Lack ofResources.

Step 608: Subroutine: Send Resource Request to Coexistence Manager (CM)

Steps 630 to 648 in FIG. 8B are performed by Coexistence Manager (CM):

-   -   Step 630: Subroutine: Environment Analysis    -   Step 632: Decision: Any Free Channels?    -   Step 634: Subroutine: Yes/Inform Neighbor Networks/Send command        to CE    -   Step 636: Subroutine: No/Current Advertised Channels Analysis    -   Step 638: Decision: Suitable Advertised Allocated But Unused        Resources?    -   Step 640: Subroutine: Yes/Communication with Relevant        Networks/Command to CE    -   Step 642: Subroutine: No/Environment Change and Allocation        Analysis    -   Step 644: Decision: Eligible To New Resources?    -   Step 646: Subroutine: Yes/Communicate Schedule To Relevant        Neighbor Networks//Send command to CE    -   Step 648: Denial of request/Send command to CE

The FIGS. 8A and 8B show the flow of a resource request. A coexistenceenabler may operate in a single network or it may share the allocationchanges with some real neighbors in the same network allocation group(NAG). The coexistence enabler waits for a stimulus in its resourcecheck state. Normally small allocation changes are done byself-coexistence methods of that particular standard or bycross-coexistence methods of standards sharing the channel.

In Step 604 in FIG. 8A, for example, the coexistence enabler (CE) 100continually monitors the ambient RF spectrum. It uses the spectrumsensing strategy sent to it by the coexistence manager (CM) 102 toexamine the local RF spectrum for the presence of incumbent, primaryusers in coexistence bands that, if unused, may be available in thelocal geographic area, such as any TV broadcaster's signal in the localTV white space band, any maritime radio signal in the local maritimeradio band, or any earth station radio signal in the local satelliteearth station radio band. These spectrum sensing results are sent to thecoexistence manager (CM) 102. The coexistence enabler (CE) 100continually monitors the traffic handled by STA1's network “B” link andcompares it with thresholds for required quality of service (QoS),channel interference, frequency of retransmissions, and the like. Whenit identifies a need for additional resources in step 606 in order tomeet the required thresholds, it sends a resource request to coexistencemanager (CM) in step 608.

In Step 630 in FIG. 8B, for example, the coexistence manager (CM) 102accesses the primary database 104 to obtain the identity of locally freesecondary channels in the local TV white space band, the local maritimeradio white space band, and the local satellite earth station radiowhite space band. If step 632 determines that there are locally freesecondary channels, then in step 634, it sends a command to thecoexistence enabler (CE) 100 to reallocate some of its existing 802.11channels in its network “B” link to locally free secondary channels inTVWS band link 3, which the coexistence manager (CM) 102 specifies. Thecoexistence manager (CM) 102 may also send an update to the primarydatabase 104 that the specified secondary channels in the white spacehave been allocated to the coexistence enabler (CE) 100. The coexistenceenabler (CE) 100 will check the ambient RF spectrum again to confirmthat no primary user signals have appeared, and then. it willreconfigure the MAC in STA1 to move some of its existing 802.11 channelsto the specified locally free secondary channels in TVWS link 3. It alsocauses STA1 to send a command over its existing network “B” link to theclient device, STA2, to make a corresponding move of some of itsexisting 802.11 channels to the specified locally free secondarychannels in TVWS link 3.

If there are no or an insufficient number of available free resources inthe coexistence band, then in Step 636 in FIG. 8B, for example, thecoexistence manager (CM) 102 checks for the availability of allocatedbut unused resources in the coexistence band, as advertised by one ormore coexistence managers managing neighboring wireless networks in thenetwork allocation group. As an example, the coexistence manager 102,receives over the Internet from one or more other coexistence managers102″ managing neighboring wireless networks, advertisements of anavailability of allocated but unused resources in a coexistence band. Instep 638, if there are suitable advertised allocated but unusedchannels, then in Step 640 coexistence manager 102 communicates with theother coexistence manager 102″ negotiating for the specified advertisedallocated but unused channels in the white space to be reallocated tothe coexistence enabler (CE) 100. The coexistence manager (CM) 102 thensends a command to the coexistence enabler (CE) 100 to reallocate someof its existing 802.11 channels in its network “B” link to theadvertised allocated but unused channels in TVWS band link 3, which thecoexistence manager (CM) 102 specifies. The coexistence enabler (CE) 100will check the ambient RF spectrum again to confirm that no primary usersignals have appeared, and then. it will reconfigure the MAC in STA1 tomove some of its existing 802.11 channels to the specified advertisedallocated but unused channels in TVWS link 3. It also causes STA1 tosend a command over its existing network “B” link to the client device,STA2, to make a corresponding move of some of its existing 802.11channels to the specified advertised allocated but unused channels inTVWS link 3.

If there are no or an insufficient number of available free resources(for example, channels) or not enough advertised allocated but unusedresources (for example, channels) in the coexistence band for thenetwork allocation group, then in Step 642 in FIG. 8B, for example, thecoexistence manager (CM) 102 analyzes an allocation of used resources(for example, channels) in the coexistence band for neighboring wirelessnetworks in the network allocation group, for which the coexistenceenabler 100 is eligible. The coexistence manager 102 sends a query overthe Internet to coexistence managers managing neighboring wirelessnetworks in the same network allocation group, to analyze allocations ifit doesn't already have up to date information about the allocations andenvironment. The coexistence manager 102 then receives a resource statusreport from one or more coexistence managers managing neighboringwireless networks in the same network allocation group. The coexistencemanager 102 will check the eligibility of the coexistence enabler 100 tothe proposed resource allocation change. Factors determining theeligibility of coexistence enabler 100 for the proposed reallocation mayinclude relative QoS of the proposed donating network and the requestingnetwork, relative priority of the traffic of the proposed donatingnetwork and the requesting network, and the like. In step 646, if thereare eligible new resources, then in Step 646 coexistence manager 102communicates with the other coexistence manager 102″ negotiating for thereallocation of the used resources in the white space to be reallocatedto the coexistence enabler (CE) 100. The coexistence manager (CM) 102then sends a command to the coexistence enabler (CE) 100 to reallocatesome of its existing 802.11 channels in its network “B” link to the usedresources in TVWS band link 3, which the coexistence manager (CM) 102specifies. The coexistence manager (CM) 102 may also send an update tothe primary database 104 that the specified used resources in the whitespace have been reallocated to the coexistence enabler (CE) 100. Thecoexistence enabler (CE) 100 will check the ambient RF spectrum again toconfirm that no primary user signals have appeared, and then. it willreconfigure the MAC in STA1 to move some of its existing 802.11 channelsto the specified used resources (channels) in TVWS link 3. It alsocauses STA1 to send a command over its existing network “B” link to theclient device, STA2, to make a corresponding move of some of itsexisting 802.11 channels to the specified used resources (channels) inTVWS link 3.

If there are insufficient available resources and insufficientreallocatable used resources in the coexistence band for neighboringnetworks in the network allocation group for which the coexistenceenabler is eligible, then in Step 642 in FIG. 8B, for example, thecoexistence manager (CM) 102 extends analysis to an allocation of usedresources in the coexistence band for all neighboring wireless networksregardless of the network allocation group, for which the coexistenceenabler is eligible. The coexistence manager 102 sends a query over theInternet to coexistence managers managing neighboring wireless networksin all network allocation groups, to analyze allocations if it doesn'talready have up to date information about the allocations andenvironment. The coexistence manager 102 then receives a resource statusreport from one or more coexistence managers 103 managing neighboringwireless networks in any network allocation group. The coexistencemanager 102 will check the eligibility of the coexistence enabler 100 tothe proposed resource allocation change. Factors determining theeligibility of coexistence enabler 100 for the proposed reallocation mayinclude relative QoS of the proposed donating network and the requestingnetwork, relative priority of the traffic of the proposed donatingnetwork and the requesting network, relative sensitivity tointerference, and the like. In step 646, if there are eligible newresources in any network allocation group, then in Step 646 coexistencemanager 102 communicates with the other coexistence manager 103negotiating for the reallocation of the used resources in the whitespace to be reallocated to the coexistence enabler (CE) 100. Thecoexistence manager (CM) 102 then sends a command to the coexistenceenabler (CE) 100 to reallocate some of its existing 802.11 channels inits network “B” link to the used resources in TVWS band link 3, whichthe coexistence manager (CM) 102 specifies. The coexistence manager (CM)102 may also send an update to the primary database 104 that thespecified used resources in the white space have been reallocated to thecoexistence enabler (CE) 100. The coexistence enabler (CE) 100 willcheck the ambient RF spectrum again to confirm that no primary usersignals have appeared, and then. it will reconfigure the MAC in STA1 tomove some of its existing 802.11 channels to the specified usedresources (channels) in TVWS link 3. It also causes STA1 to send acommand over its existing network “B” link to the client device, STA2,to make a corresponding move of some of its existing 802.11 channels tothe specified used resources (channels) in TVWS link 3.

If there are no available resources and no reallocatable used resourcesin the coexistence band for neighboring wireless networks, in step 648in FIG. 8B, for example, coexistence manager (CM) 102 indicates to thecoexistence enabler 100 that the resource request is denied.

The steps of the flow diagram of FIG. 8 represent computer codeinstructions stored in the RAM and/or ROM memory of the WLAN accesspoint STA1 and the coexistence manager 102, which when executed by thecentral processing units (CPU), carry out the functions of the exampleembodiments of the invention. The steps may be carried out in anotherorder than shown and individual steps may be combined or separated intocomponent steps.

The coexistence enabler sends a resource request to its coexistencemanager when the current allocation with current bandwidth or a possiblecoexistence method does not satisfy the needs. The coexistence managerwill check the eligibility to resource allocation change.

A network allocation group (NAG) is a group of neighboring networks thatis typically a sub-set of all the neighboring networks. In a NAG,networks have typically some common denominator that can be, forexample, a common set of properties.

Analysis done by any alternative is based on the spectrum maps andcurrent allocations of each network, Network parameters of each networkand capabilities of each network.

The communication between secondary networks may be done directly overthe air or indirectly via a wired backbone.

Using the description provided herein, the embodiments may beimplemented as a machine, process, or article of manufacture by usingstandard programming and/or engineering techniques to produceprogramming software, firmware, hardware or any combination thereof.

Any resulting program(s), having computer-readable program code, may beembodied on one or more computer-usable media such as resident memorydevices, smart cards or other removable memory devices, or transmittingdevices, thereby making a computer program product or article ofmanufacture according to the embodiments. As such, the terms “article ofmanufacture” and “computer program product” as used herein are intendedto encompass a computer program that exists permanently or temporarilyon any computer-usable medium or in any transmitting medium whichtransmits such a program.

As indicated above, memory/storage devices include, but are not limitedto, disks, optical disks, removable memory devices such as smart cards,SIMs, WIMs, semiconductor memories such as RAM, ROM, PROMS, etc.Transmitting mediums include, but are not limited to, transmissions viawireless communication networks, the Internet, intranets,telephone/modem-based network communication, hard-wired/cabledcommunication network, satellite communication, and other stationary ormobile network systems/communication links.

Although specific example embodiments have been disclosed, a personskilled in the art will understand that changes can be made to thespecific example embodiments without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention.

1. A method, comprising: searching for at least one available freeresource in a wireless network coexistence band by a coexistencemanager, in response to a resource request from a coexistence enabler ina wireless network; if there are insufficient available free resourcesin the coexistence band, then checking by the coexistence manager foravailability of allocated but unused resources in the coexistence band,as advertised by one or more coexistence managers managing neighboringwireless networks in a network allocation group of the coexistenceenabler; and if there are insufficient available free resources or notenough advertised allocated but unused resources in the coexistence bandfor the network allocation group, then analyzing by the coexistencemanager resources and resource needs in the coexistence band forneighboring networks.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step ofsearching further comprises: if at least one available free resource isfound in the coexistence band, then informing coexistence managersmanaging neighboring wireless networks of a new resource usage.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the step of checking further comprises: ifthere are enough allocated but unused resources available, then agreeingwith one or more coexistence managers managing neighboring wirelessnetworks to reassign one or more of the available allocated but unusedresources in the coexistence band to the coexistence.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the step of analyzing further comprises: if theresources or the resource needs have not changed substantially, thenmaking by the coexistence manager a reallocation of used resources inthe coexistence band for neighboring wireless networks in the networkallocation group.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein a substantial changeof resources comprises at least one frequency band becoming available orunavailable.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein a substantial change ofresource needs comprises an increase or decrease of at least oneneighboring network.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step ofanalyzing further comprises: if the resources or the resource needs havechanged, then making by the coexistence manager a reallocation of allavailable resources in the coexistence band for the neighboring wirelessnetworks.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the change of resourcescomprises at least one frequency band becoming available or unavailable.9. The method of claim 7, wherein the change of resource needs comprisesan increase or decrease of at least one neighboring network.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the step of analyzing further comprises: ifthere are no available resources and no reallocatable used resources inthe coexistence band for neighboring wireless networks, then indicatingby the coexistence manager to the coexistence enabler that the resourcerequest is denied.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein: if there arereallocatable used resources in the coexistence band for neighboringnetworks that are in the network allocation group, then agreeing withone or more coexistence managers managing neighboring wireless networksin the same network allocation group, to reassign one or more of thereallocatable used resources to the coexistence, if the coexistenceenabler is eligible for the reallocatable used resources for networks inthe same network allocation group.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein:if there are no available resources and no reallocatable used resourcesin the coexistence band for neighboring wireless networks, thenindicating by the coexistence manager to the coexistence enabler thatthe resource request is denied.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein: ifthere are reallocatable used resources in the coexistence band forneighboring networks that are not in the same network allocation group,then agreeing with all of the coexistence managers managing neighboringwireless networks, to reassign one or more of the reallocatable usedresources to the coexistence enabler and communicating with all of thecoexistence managers managing neighboring wireless networks, if thecoexistence enabler is eligible for the reallocatable used resources ofall of the neighboring networks.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein: ifthere are no available resources and no reallocatable used resources inthe coexistence band for neighboring wireless networks, then indicatingby the coexistence manager to the coexistence enabler that the resourcerequest is denied.
 15. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor;at least one memory including computer program code; the at least onememory and the computer program code configured to, with the at leastone processor, cause the coexistence manager at least to: search for atleast one available free resource in a wireless network coexistence bandby a coexistence manager, in response to a resource request from acoexistence enabler in a wireless network; if there are insufficientavailable free resources in the coexistence band, then check by thecoexistence manager for availability of allocated but unused resourcesin the coexistence band, as advertised by one or more coexistencemanagers managing neighboring wireless networks in a network allocationgroup of the coexistence enabler; and if there are insufficientavailable free resources or not enough advertised allocated but unusedresources in the coexistence band for the network allocation group, thenanalyze by the coexistence manager resources and resource needs in thecoexistence band for neighboring networks.
 16. The apparatus of claim15, wherein the step of searching further comprises: the at least onememory and the computer program code configured to, with the at leastone processor, cause the coexistence manager at least to: if at leastone available free resource is found in the coexistence band, theninform coexistence managers managing neighboring wireless networks of anew resource usage.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the step ofchecking further comprises: the at least one memory and the computerprogram code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause thecoexistence manager at least to: if there are allocated but unusedresources available, then agree with one or more coexistence managersmanaging neighboring wireless networks to reassign one or more of theavailable allocated but unused resources in the coexistence band to thecoexistence enabler.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the step ofanalyzing further comprises: the at least one memory and the computerprogram code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause thecoexistence manager at least to: if the resources or the resource needshave not changed substantially, then make by the coexistence manager areallocation of used resources in the coexistence band for neighboringwireless networks in the network allocation group.
 19. The apparatus ofclaim 18, wherein a substantial change of resources comprises at leastone frequency band becoming unavailable.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18,wherein a substantial change of resource needs comprises an increase ofat least one neighboring network.
 21. The apparatus of claim 15, whereinthe step of analyzing further comprises: the at least one memory and thecomputer program code configured to, with the at least one processor,cause the coexistence manager at least to: if the resources or theresource needs have changed, then make by the coexistence manager areallocation of all available resources in the coexistence band for theneighboring wireless networks.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, whereinthe change of resources comprises at least one frequency band becomingunavailable.
 23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the change ofresource needs comprises an increase of at least one neighboringnetwork.
 24. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the step of analyzingfurther comprises: the at least one memory and the computer program codeconfigured to, with the at least one processor, cause the coexistencemanager at least to: if there are no available resources and noreallocatable used resources in the coexistence band for neighboringwireless networks, then indicate by the coexistence manager to thecoexistence enabler that the resource request is denied.
 25. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein: the at least one memory and the computerprogram code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause thecoexistence manager at least to: if there are reallocatable usedresources in the coexistence band for neighboring networks that are inthe network allocation group, then agree with one or more coexistencemanagers managing neighboring wireless networks in the same networkallocation group, to reassign one or more of the reallocatable usedresources to the coexistence enabler, if the coexistence enabler iseligible for the reallocatable used resources for networks in the samenetwork allocation group.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein: the atleast one memory and the computer program code configured to, with theat least one processor, cause the coexistence manager at least to: ifthere are no available resources and no reallocatable used resources inthe coexistence band for neighboring wireless networks, then indicate bythe coexistence manager to the coexistence enabler that the resourcerequest is denied.
 27. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the at leastone memory and the computer program code configured to, with the atleast one processor, cause the coexistence manager at least to: if thereare reallocatable used resources in the coexistence band for neighboringnetworks that are not in the same network allocation group, then agreewith all of the coexistence managers managing neighboring wirelessnetworks, to reassign one or more of the reallocatable used resources tothe coexistence enabler and communicating with all of the coexistencemanagers managing neighboring wireless networks, if the coexistenceenabler is eligible for the reallocatable used resources of all of theneighboring networks.
 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein: the atleast one memory and the computer program code configured to, with theat least one processor, cause the coexistence manager at least to: ifthere are no available resources and no reallocatable used resources inthe coexistence band for neighboring wireless networks, then indicate bythe coexistence manager to the coexistence enabler that the resourcerequest is denied.
 29. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein thecoexistence band is in a TV white space frequency band or in another RFspectrum white space band wherein there are no primary user radiosoperating in the neighboring wireless networks.
 30. A computer readablemedium storing program instructions, which when executed by a computerprocessor, perform the steps comprising: searching for at least oneavailable free resource in a wireless network coexistence band by acoexistence manager, in response to a resource request from acoexistence enabler in a wireless network; if there are insufficientavailable free resources in the coexistence band, then checking by thecoexistence manager for availability of allocated but unused resourcesin the coexistence band, as advertised by one or more coexistencemanagers managing neighboring wireless networks in a network allocationgroup of the coexistence enabler; and if there are insufficientavailable free resources or not enough advertised allocated but unusedresources in the coexistence band for the network allocation group, thenanalyzing by the coexistence manager resources and resource needs in thecoexistence band for neighboring networks.